The Robin Boyd Foundation continues the work and spirit of Robin Boyd through an active, innovative and ongoing series of public learning programs developed to increase individual and community awareness, understanding and participation in design.

Robin Boyd was renowned for designing spaces which reflected the lifestyles of the occupiers. There can be no better example than in the design of his own family home, the iconic 290 Walsh St. Now home of the Robin Boyd Foundation.

Boyd is arguably the most influential architect there has been in Australia. He was a public educator, passionate about good design
and devoted his life to creating a wider public understanding of its benefits.

Original Robin Boyd furniture designs

Boyd Collection

18th April – 12th September 2018

DADo Film Society 2018 Season

The foundation runs a program of Lectures, Workshops and Seminars throughout the year at Walsh Street.
This programming makes a significant contribution to the City of Melbourne’s contemporary design discourse.

Upcoming Events

Experience Walsh Street this Christmas To celebrate Christmas this year, the Robin Boyd Foundation is making its last Walsh Street tour of 2018 even more special. Join us for a talk about Robin Boyd and his lasting influence, along with an insight into the design of the Walsh Street house, followed by a serving of mince-pies and spiced tea. Guests are then...

Experience Walsh Street 'Walsh Street', the house Boyd designed for his own family in 1957, is his most well-known work. It has been extensively published both nationally and internationally as an exemplar of modernist Australian architecture and a house that continues to influence architectural thinking. It is now the home of the Robin Boyd Foundation....

Video: Vision Force Studio – www.v1s1onforce.com

Foundation partnerships

As a Foundation Partner you will benefit from a brand alignment that expresses your commitment to Australian design and innovation. As well as marketing opportunities to the Foundation’s constituency – a fast growing group of Australians passionate about supporting good design – we offer a range of exclusive benefits to Foundation Partners.

Volunteering with us

We are currently recruiting volunteers in the following areas.

Events & Open Days

Event & Open Day Volunteers are an essential to the success of the Foundation’s inspirational and educational events and tours. Volunteers assist on the day with Walsh Street events and Open Days, guest-lists, general safety supervision.

Open Volunteer Spots: up to 100 for an Open Day. Must be available evenings and weekends.

Tours

The Foundation’s Walsh Street Tour Volunteer Guides are essential to the success of the Foundation’s inspirational and educational events and tours at the historic home of Robin Boyd. Receive valuable training on leadingour public Walsh Street housetours and presenting talks on Robin Boyd’s life and his lasting influence.

Open Volunteer Spots: max 20. Must be available business hours Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, with some evening hours.

Housekeeping

Our Housekeeping Volunteers ensure that the historic Walsh Street house is properly cleaned and maintained. Volunteers get a unique insight into maintaining a historic house and assist with condition reports. The Foundation holds a monthly working bee on the first Saturday of each month, so Saturday availability is essential for this role.

Gardening

The Garden Volunteers are a vital part of ensuring that Walsh Street and its legacy is preserved for years to come. Volunteers assist with the presentation and care of the garden, whilst nurturing and preserving Boyd’s emphasis of the relationship between indoors and outdoors. The Foundation holds a monthly working bee on the first Saturday of each month, so Saturday availability is essential for this role.

Admin & Marketing

The Admin & Marketing Volunteers assist with general office support and database upkeep. Volunteers must be proficient in basic Microsoft office software, with marketing opportunities for individuals who have a portfolio of written or social media work.

Collections & Archives

Become involved with the Robin Boyd Collection and the 60+ year Walsh Street residence as a Collections & Archives Volunteer. The Foundation has opportunities for volunteers with experience or interest in collections management, gallery or museum administration, or archival research.

Open Volunteer Spots: based on project needs. Note some evening or weekend work may be required.

Friends of the Foundation

Our Friends are an important part of the Walsh Street family. Friends subscription allows us to further engage and reward our supporters whilst helping us to raise funds towards the running costs of Walsh Street, enabling us to open Robin Boyd’s iconic family home to the general public. To invite speakers to challenge and inspire us. To maintain and care for this incredible house and gardens and to offer Open Day experiences that are often a special one-off opportunity.